PRELIMINARY Synonyms: 40 Similar and Opposite Words

preliminary 1 of 2

adjective

pri-ˈli-mə-ˌner-ē

as in preparatory

coming before the main part or item usually to introduce or prepare for what follows we need to do some preliminary research in order to properly focus the experiment

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

preliminary

2 of 2

noun

as in prelude

a performance, activity, or event that precedes and sets the stage for the main event a meeting to discuss seating arrangements that was merely a preliminary to the formal negotiating sessions

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of preliminary

Adjective

In other business, the Plan Commission approved preliminary plat approval on a 2-lot subdivision with a Family Express gas station to be built on one of the two lots. —

Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026 Faced with ongoing geopolitical tensions, especially the war in the Gulf, preliminary figures for the first two months of 2026 showed mixed signs. —

Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 14 May 2026

Noun

The hockey playoffs weren’t affected by the storm and are expected to start on March 2 with Division II preliminaries. —

Jacob Rousseau, The Providence Journal, 26 Feb. 2026 Switzerland crushed Germany in the men’s curling preliminaries, keeping a consistent lead before ending the game with a score of 8-4. —

Andrew Greif, NBC news, 17 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preliminary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for preliminary

Adjective

It will also be used as a test-bed for long-term habitation and preparatory work for permanent bases.

— Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 10 May 2026
Najib was the only one of the defendants who was arrested and present in person in court Sunday for a preparatory session in the trial, which will continue next month.

— Ghaith Alsayed, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2026